From Smokehouse to Table: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Cedar Hollow Ham

As a seasoned cook and ham enthusiast, I’m always seeking out high-quality, artisanal hams to enjoy One of my all-time favorites is Cedar Hollow Ham, made by a family-owned company with over 50 years of experience Cedar Hollow’s dedication to traditional curing and smoking methods results in incredibly flavorful and tender hams.

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these exceptional hams, you’ll want to know the proper techniques for cooking it to perfection In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook Cedar Hollow Ham and make the most of its signature smoky flavor and superior quality

Let’s start with an overview of Cedar Hollow Ham and what makes it so special. Here are some key facts:

• Produced by Cedar Hollow, a family company founded in 1968
• Hams cured using a proprietary blend of salts and spices
• Hardwood smoked over a mix of hickory and applewood
• Aged a minimum of 3 months for robust flavor
• Covered in a black peppercorn coating

With its artisanal approach and decades of ham-making expertise, Cedar Hollow produces some of the tastiest and highest-quality hams available. Now let’s get into the cooking methods!

Oven Roasting for Foolproof Results

One of the easiest and most reliable ways to cook a Cedar Hollow Ham is by roasting it in the oven Here’s a simple process

• Preheat oven to 325°F
• Place ham cut-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet
• Bake for approx. 15-20 minutes per pound
• Glaze ham during last 30 minutes (if using)
• Roast until internal temp reaches 135°F
• Allow to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing

The low and slow oven roasting ensures the ham stays incredibly moist and tender. And it couldn’t be simpler!

Slow Cooking for Hands-Off Convenience

A slow cooker or crockpot is another hassle-free way to cook a Cedar Hollow Ham. Simply:

• Place ham in slow cooker (may need to cut to fit)
• Add 1 cup liquid like ginger ale, stock or water
• Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours
• Cook until internal temp hits 135°F
• Let rest 15 minutes before serving

The lengthy cook time allows the flavors to slowly meld together. Just make sure your cooker is large enough to accommodate the ham.

Grilling for Smoky Enhancement

Cooking the ham on a grill or smoker infuses it with even more smoky flavor from the charcoal or wood chips. Two easy methods:

Indirect grilling:

• Prep coals for indirect heat on one side
• Place ham on empty side of grill
• Cook approximately 15 minutes per pound
• Rotate ham and add coals as needed
• Remove when internal temp hits 135°F

Smoking:

• Soak wood chips 30+ minutes
• Scatter soaked chips over lit coals
• Place ham on grill grate over drip pan
• Smoke for 15-20 minutes per pound
• Check temp and add coals as needed

The smoke permeates the outside of the ham, taking the flavor up a notch.

Glazing for Visual Appeal and Flavor

Glazing adds a beautiful lacquered coating and hits of sweetness or spice. Brush on glaze during the last 30 minutes of roasting or grilling. Use apricot jam, brown sugar, honey, or mustard glazes. Apply lightly at first, then heavier coats. Cook until glaze is set. Rest ham 10 minutes before slicing to allow glaze to set.

Serving Suggestions for Leftovers

The uses for leftover Cedar Hollow Ham are endless! Here are just a few tasty ways to enjoy it:

• Dice and add to scrambled eggs, omelets or quiche
• Slice and use in sandwiches, paninis or wraps
• Chop and mix into salads for added protein
• Pair with melon, berries and cheese for an easy appetizer
• Toss with pasta, veggies and cream sauce for a quick skillet dinner
• Stir into your favorite soup, chili or baked beans recipe
• Stuff into a baked potato along with cheese and scallions

With its superior flavor and versatility, Cedar Hollow Ham can upgrade your meals throughout the week. Get creative!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To safely store leftover ham:

• Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate in shallow airtight container
• Use within 3-5 days for best quality
• Freezing in portions extends shelf life to 2-3 months

To reheat, use these methods:

• Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 325°F until warm, at least 165°F

• Skillet: Fry slices in butter over medium-high heat just until warmed through

• Microwave: Place slices on microwave-safe plate, cover and heat at 50% power in 30 second intervals, checking often

With the proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy the exceptional taste of Cedar Hollow Ham for days after cooking.

From selecting the ideal size ham to roasting, glazing, slicing and storing leftovers, I’ve shared my best tips for making the most of Cedar Hollow’s outstanding artisanal hams. With its peppery crust, rich smoke flavor and fork-tender texture, this exceptional ham is worth seeking out. Try it for yourself and taste why it’s earned such a passionate following. Happy ham cooking!